There is no doubt that gestating life and giving birth involves a great effort that generates great physical and psychological changes in the body of any woman. The same goes for female dogs. Therefore, knowing how to take good and correct care of our dog during pregnancy and at the time of delivery is essential when it comes to guaranteeing her health and that of her puppies.
We are going to explain what factors to take into account during the gestation period of our pet, what needs to cover, and how to help our pregnant dog.
How do I know if my dog is pregnant?
Whether you have scheduled the mounting of your dog or if you have seen your pet having sex with another dog, there are many possibilities that she will become pregnant. However, it can also happen that our canine friend is going through a psychological pregnancy and that she presents the same symptoms of a real pregnancy. In any case, it is important to pay attention to the details and the physiological changes that occur to be sure of her condition.
One of the key points that allow us to differentiate a real pregnancy from a psychological one is that the first one lasts between 58 and 65 days, while the symptoms in the second case do not extend beyond 3 or 4 weeks. In the event that doubts persist, it is important that we go to the veterinarian as soon as possible to confirm or rule out the pregnancy of our pet.
Common symptoms of a pregnant dog
One of the most obvious signs that our dog is pregnant is the progressive increase in her belly. Although it is true that this growth is not noticeable until after the first month of pregnancy, there are other physical, psychological, and behavioral changes that indicate that our beloved pet is going to have offspring. Let’s see some of the most common symptoms:
- Greater swelling and growth of the breasts : It is usual for our dog’s breasts to increase in size in the first weeks of pregnancy. However it is not always so. Sometimes this symptom appears in the second half of pregnancy.
- You will have the pinkest nipples. This sign also makes us suspect that our dog is expecting puppies.
- You will urinate more often. As the belly increases, the bladder has less space to store urine. Hence, our dog needs to urinate more frequently.
- It will expel a transparent flow. Another revealing factor is vaginal discharge during the first weeks of pregnancy. It is a key liquid, since it acts as a protective cap for the puppies.
- It will have variable behavior. You may also notice a major change in their behavior. In general, they are more affectionate and close, they seek our caresses and company. But the opposite can also happen, that is, her attitude is more elusive and she does not want to be touched. Everything will depend on the character and personality of our pet.
- You will play less and sleep more. In this gestation period, our canine companion will be more tired and will have less energy. So it is likely that we observe it more apathetic and sleepy.
- She will look for the perfect corner of the home to have her puppies. Another of the usual symptoms is that our pregnant dog looks for the ideal place to build her nest. You will surely see that she hides in dark and quiet places or that she places blankets in a specific area of the house.
- Will show changes in appetite. During the first weeks of pregnancy, it is usual that our dog’s desire to eat decreases. However, the appetite will increase as the pregnancy progresses, since the puppies inside the womb consume a lot of energy and need nutrients.
What food do you need during pregnancy?
The type of food that the dog will need during the 64 days of pregnancy will vary according to the nutritional needs required at each stage. It is important to properly adjust both the type and amount of food so that the puppies and the mother enjoy good health throughout the gestation process.
Veterinarians recommend that for the first 42 days, the diet is not modified. Later, from the last third of the pregnancy, it will be necessary to increase the rations and change the type of diet to provide our dog with food with a high caloric content so that it has the necessary energy, proteins so that the development and weight of the puppies are the suitable, essential fatty acids to improve vision, memory, and learning of children, folic acid and minerals.
Can a pregnant dog be bathed?
Of course yes. In fact, it is very positive to maintain your bathroom routine in the stage of pregnancy. Of course, it is important to be careful and follow a series of guidelines to do it correctly. We highlight some of them:
- Use water and a soap suitable for pets.
- Do not use insecticide or antiparasitic products.
- Avoid excessive pressure when soaping the abdomen area.
- Try not to bathe her the days before delivery to avoid her stress.
- Giving a bath at the beginning of pregnancy and another in the middle is enough.
Care during childbirth
Childbirth is a very special and intimate moment for the future canine mother that usually takes place naturally, easily, and, in general, without complications. Therefore, although our dog does not need our intervention, it is advisable to remain vigilant, in case she requires our help. Typically, labor lasts between 3 and 12 hours. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Build a comfortable and warm “nest” for her and her litter.
- Use a large box and place it in a quiet place in the house.
- Stroke the mom-to-be gently when she feels contractions.
- Stimulate your dog if the puppies are breech, but don’t pull.
- Cut the umbilical cord of the little ones.
- Check how many placentas have come out and see if he eats any.
- Remove the membrane that surrounds the puppy.
- Cleans and removes possible obstructions.
- Feed and drink the mother when labor is over.
- Point the puppies to the mothers for feeding.
